Has anyone else found coming out of lockdown difficult? After months at home, the reintroduction to ‘normal’ life has left me feeling exhausted, stressed and unsure. I thought I was the only one who felt this way – as an introvert, my capacity to spend time with people has always been shorter than others. But when I started to hear from friends – extroverts, parents, and people of all ages, that they were feeling the same thing, I realised this is bigger than me. As a society, we are learning how to socialise again – and it’s exhausting.
This exhaustion seems to be an ongoing symptom of global trauma – after all, the last few years have been chaotic on an international level. And navigating our personal conflicts has become even more difficult as we also face death, war, natural disasters and whatever is going on Twitter that day.
So how do we live in this ‘new normal’? There are no hard and fast solutions – we are all healing and hoping together. But teaching myself how to re-enter society and socialise again has been a major factor as I try to thrive rather than just survive. So instead of having a panic attack when I receive an invitation, or have to go out, I consider these five keys to take back my life after lockdown.
- Give yourself permission to say no
Parties, weddings, baby showers, funerals, brunch catch ups and that person you haven’t spoken to in 6 years wants to have coffee…there is no end to the social gatherings that have emerged after lockdown. It is wonderful we can meet together again, and crucial that we can hold these events. But there comes a point when you feel overwhelmed and choose to attend out of obligation. If that’s you, then give yourself permission to say no to invitations. Prioritise the non-negotiables, and then consider if you have the energy for the rest. You are not a super human after all. - Set clear boundaries
A large part of my exhaustion at events comes from feeling trapped or obligated to stay, even when my social barometer is below zero. If you’re like me, then set clear boundaries. Choose the time you will leave, and let the host know you have to go somewhere else. Most people understand this and would rather you enjoy shorter quality then staying because you ‘should’. - Practice self awareness
Everyone deals with re-learning to socialise differently, whether it is at a party or in the office at work. Some people will be withdrawn, others will overcompensate, and others will simply switch off. If other people are annoying you, remember they are in the same boat. And then consider how you subconsciously are coping with life post lockdown. Your self-deprecating jokes, or choice to stay by the snack table may not make much sense to them either – but that doesn’t mean it is wrong. - Practice self-care
You have lived through multiple global disasters – your resilience is low, and some days the weight of it all makes functioning difficult. So don’t punish yourself for feeling low, or un-motivated. Listen to your body and hear what it’s saying to you. You need to rest, recharge, and care for yourself. The key is figuring out how to do this in everyday life, between school runs, deadlines and social events. Figure out what helps you to recharge, and make time for it. It could be prepping healthy meals, taking a bath, working out at the gym, painting, journaling or practicing mindfulness. Even listening to a podcast on the way to work could be your ‘you’ time. Whatever it is, prioritise self-care. You can’t keep giving if your tank is empty. - Limit your media consumption
Every day we are bombarded with news. It’s important we stay informed, but when it consumes us, we are unable to thrive in everyday life. Choose how you will receive the news, and then give yourself permission to switch it off. Be selective in how graphic the content is, make sure it is balanced, and seek out hope. This goes for social media as well. If all you’re seeing is devastation, you won’t be able to function. If you are feeling hopeless, also consider how you will enact change to counter what you see on TV – whether it is by signing a petition, lobbying a politician, volunteering or simply spending time with your family. You can bring good to this world – and hope still exists.
Are you struggling to bounce back after lockdowns? Does living through a Pandemic make you feel overwhelmed? Contact Colleen on 0434 337 245 or Duncan on 0434 331 243 for a FREE 10-minute phone consultation on how we can best help you, or press book now.
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